Online Mobile Gambling

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Much like all the other fields of gaming, gambling has been moving to mobile devices at an astonishing rate for the past few years. It's extremely likely that the majority of online gambling will be played on a mobile device in the future and I'd be willing to bet a lot of money for the shift to happen within the next 2-4 years.

Mobile apps in general will only work when stripped down to the absolutely essential, and while they may not be able to offer everything a desktop version of a gambling site does, they may be able to offer some parts of the online casino and poker experience in an improved way. Online mobile gambling gave them the liberty to make bets wherever they felt like, be it from the comfort of their couches or on their way to school or work. It was highly convenient. Secondly, users had 24-hour access to online. Mobile gaming is on the rise and many of the top South African online casinos have a mobile platform that allows their players to enjoy a selection of their most popular games on the go.

With global mobile gaming revenue reaching $10,000,000,000 (yes, that's billions of dollars) and about 144 million mobile gamers in the US alone, mobile gaming is not just the future though - it's here now, and more-so than ever online gambling companies are recognizing the challenges and opportunities that come along with it.

We gamble on mobile almost exclusively nowadays. Our camp is divided into Apple fanatics and Android users. We have phones and tablets for both iOS and Android so you can be sure of that all of these sites have been tried and tested on a variety of devices.

We have hundreds of hours of experience on using mobile gambling software to play for real money (with both Android and iOS). We've even travelled to iGaming Super Shows to see the latest developments in the field and feel like we can give you a good idea of where to play gambling games on mobile devices now and in the future.

How We Ranked These Mobile Sites

We look at online gambling sites from a mobile point-of-view but also pay attention to the essentials such as customer service, software quality and overall reliability. We refuse to list sites that fail to treat customers fairly even if they had spectacular mobile software - for example, we were impressed with the software the Revenue Jet group of casinos has available but players are having problems with getting their winnings paid.

What to Play on a Mobile Device

All of the most popular internet gambling destinations have moved to mobile already - however, as in any business, some are doing it better than others. There are real-money sites completely dedicated to mobile and such dedication has paid-off handsomely for a select few. The majority of the industry consists of desktop-first casinos, poker rooms and betting sites that have since transitioned to mobile.

Real-money mobile wagering can be divided into three categories: sports betting, casino games and online poker. Customers of each category have different kinds of needs for playing on a mobile device and certain types of wagering are harder to make for mobile in a way that retains the quality of the experience.

Here are the best devices for different forms of gambling:

Sports Betting

We love to check the latest odds on the go, keep up-to-date with the latest scores and results and place bets fast when the situation calls for it. Our Android smartphones and iPhones are perfect for that, suggesting the betting site has well-functioning software and a well thought-out user interface.

Casino Games

Tablets, on the other hand, have large enough screens to display all your favourite casino games just like you want to see them. We don't get the same thrill out of playing casino games on our mobile phones but tablets seem like the perfect match. I've played countless hours of real-money games on my iPad and I consider it the best way to play casino games online. You can take your tablet anywhere you want with you which is awesome just at home but makes travelling more entertaining as well.

Online Poker

Mobile poker is the only form of gambling that has lagged behind. Playing poker on smartphones might never become a big deal unless smartphone screens become increasingly large since poker needs a certain amount of space for you to be able to see all the cards and chip counts clearly -- in addition, you need all the necessary functions available as well. We prefer to play poker on our desktop computers and only in rare instances on our tablets.

Apps and Browser-Based Games

According to App Store Review Guidelines, companies are allowed to offer real-money gambling apps in App Store if they're licensed in their jurisdiction and the apps don't include in-app purchases. In other words, there are no real-money gambling apps for most of the US since only a few states have legalized and licensed operators but the rest of the world already have plenty of them. The guidelines also mean you won't be able to make deposits through the mobile app. (Apple is notoriously strict and have pulled sites like PokerStars and 888 Poker from their Australian App Store because the sites weren't licensed to operate in Australia.)

Android has followed Apple's example: they only allow real-money apps with a license in the user's location and restrict players from depositing through the mobile interface.

All mobile gambling sites have browser-based software as well and that's the most common way for mobile gamers to play for real cash -- apps are still a relatively new thing (App Store started allowing real-money apps in 2013). Playing through a browser is the only way for most of the US to play real-money games on their mobile devices. Many of these in-browser betting sites and casinos are easy to use and feel like an actual application.

Which Device Is Best for Gambling?

Originally, we were going to do a more in-depth review of each device but we quickly noticed that the biggest difference is not between the devices but rather between the operating systems (they're built a little different). Gambling on an iPhone is somewhat different from gambling on Android phones, but the differences between a Motorola, Samsung or HTC phone are smaller. Some of us prefer Apple's products and some of us prefer Android but it would be foolish to claim a big difference between them.

In general, the bigger the screen, the better the experience. We haven't tried any of the less popular Android phones so we can't speak for them though. We also prefer larger screen sizes for tablets in general so if one had to choose, we'd rather go for the standard tablet than a mini-tablet.

Desktop vs. Mobile - What's the Difference

Aside from the obvious difference (screen size), what's different about how mobile games and user interfaces are made when compared to their desktop counterparts? For one, mobile interfaces usually have less of everything. Less options, less functions and - perhaps most importantly - less games. There's a little bit of minimalist in all of us at Gaming the Odds so we actually like it since it forces software providers to get rid of all the extra.

Many of our readers are also wondering if security is any different between these two device types. Our common opinion is that you actually have less to worry about on mobile devices when it comes to software security. The security risk is losing the device and having 'Remember Password' options enabled which would then allow someone to log-in to your account. Make sure to keep your device safe while not allowing the software to remember any of your passwords and you should be just as OK (if not more) as if you were on a desktop.

Let us just state the obvious – mobile phones and tablets are the best inventions of the last couple decades.

Just look at them – they're mini computers.

There's no denying that they've made the world a smaller place. We have access to more information than ever before. We're connected to more people. Anything and everyone is only a tap or two away.

That goes for online gambling, too.

We've written about the benefits of online gambling before, and how it's better than brick-and-mortar casinos. We concluded that the biggest benefits (to online gambling) are the convenience, variety, and saving money.

You can enjoy all these benefits while playing from your mobile device – with an extra helping of convenience on top. Because now you're no longer anchored to your desktop computer. You can play your favorite slot machine, video poker, or table game from wherever you can connect to the internet.

Are you ready to get started?

The fastest way to get started is to choose one of the mobile sites from our list below. These sites have the best selection of sports markets, poker, and casino games, as well as special deals and banking options to choose from.

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Choose one and get started now.

RankDE Gambling SiteExclusive BonusProductsGet Started
#1Betway100% Up To€250
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#2Europa Casino200% Up To€500
  • Casino
Visit Site Europa Casino
#3Jackpot City Casino100% Up To€400
  • Casino
Visit Site Jackpot City Casino
#422Bet100% Up To€300
  • Sports
  • Casino
Visit Site 22Bet
#5Spin Casino100% Up To€400
  • Sports
  • Casino
Visit Site Spin Casino

How We Choose 'The Best' Mobile Sites

There are three things we look for first when deciding who will make our list of ‘best' mobile gambling sites.

This applies the most to online casinos and poker rooms. Currently, few casinos or poker rooms have full-blown mobile versions of their desktop casinos and poker rooms. Most only offer a fraction of what desktop customers get to play.

Ultimately, we want to find sites with the most options – no matter if you play poker or casino games or bet sports – so that you can gamble on more stuff with the least amount of effort (apps installed, accounts, etc.).

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2Compatibility

Most sites will be compatible with Apple and Android, as these are by far the most popular devices and operating systems. That means BlackBerry and Windows users are often left behind. We try to find gambling sites that offer options for ALL devices, instead of just the most popular ones.

Some casinos and sportsbooks will offer mobile-exclusive bonuses on top of their core offers. One example is from BetOnline. They have a couple offers where, if you try their sportsbook or live casino on your mobile device and lose money, they'll reimburse you up to so many dollars. We try to find sites that offer exclusive (mobile-only) deals.

These three things are first on our list. But in no way does that mean you get to ignore all the other important stuff – like making sure the site has a good reputation, that the site pays their customers, that they accept banking options you have access to, and everything else that makes a gambling site one of 'the best.'

How to Get Started

If you've never gambled on your smartphone or tablet, you might be wondering how the heck you get started.

It's actually pretty simple.

First, you will need internet access – either Wi-Fi, 3G, or 4G. Wi-Fi will be better in the long run, as you won't use up any data.

Next, you'll need to access the site. You can do that using one of the following options:

Option 1 – Mobile Site
Some sites – usually older casinos – will have a separate website programmed specifically for mobile devices. The downside is they're usually only compatible with Apple and Android phones and tablets. You'll know the site has a separate mobile site if you go to their site (while on your device) and they redirect you to a different location.
Option 2 – Native App
These are apps developed specifically for your device. The upside is excellent graphics, gameplay, and function. The downside (again) is compatibility. To get the app, the site may send it to you, have you scan a QR code, or have you download it from an app store or website.
Option 3 – HTML5 Site
HTML5 is the newest (front-end) programming language for building websites. Websites built in HTML5 (often combined with other programming languages) are mobile responsive. This means no separate app or website is needed. The website simply shifts the elements around to fit a smaller/different screen size. The best part is that this is the most compatible option of them all.

If you're not sure what the gambling site offers or does for mobile users, most sites nowadays have a mobile page where they'll tell you how to get access – they'll have a link or QR to their apps, or tell you the URL you need to go to. It's really simple, we promise.

If you already have an account with a site and all you want to do is play from your mobile device, all you need to do is open their mobile site or app, then log in using your same account details.

If you're opening a new account, the process of signing up is the same as signing up from a computer. Find and click the ‘create an account' button and give them your details:

  • Your name.
  • Your email.
  • Your address.
  • Your desired username and password.
  • Your phone number.

And so on. Then submit your information and confirm your account.

One tip, though –

We highly recommend you create your account from your computer (or tablet with a keyboard). It's a lot easier to create an account this way – unless you want to punch in all those details on your phone.

This goes for making your deposit, too. You can fund your account from your mobile device, but it's far easier – not to mention far safer – to do from home.

That's all there is to it.

Mobile is the future. Mobile usage already exceeds computer usage – a stat we don't expect to change anytime soon, if ever.

This is exciting for online gamblers because mobile gambling is still new. Mobile casinos and poker rooms are still small. So, you can expect the mobile gambling industry to grow exponentially over the next few years. That means more games, tournaments, features, and options.

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The best part is that we get to watch it all happen in real time.

Mobile Gambling FAQ

Mobile gambling is still new. So, unsurprisingly, we receive a lot of questions about gambling from mobile devices and mobile gambling sites.

You'll find the most common questions we get (and our answers) below.

The apps shouldn't cost you anything. The gambling site makes their money from real money gamblers. We recommend avoiding any real money casino that asks you to pay for their app.

Can you gamble for free from your smartphone?

Yes. Every mobile-responsive casino or app we've seen offers both free and real money gambling.

This varies WILDLY from site to site. But the most common games and variations we've seen include hold'em and Omaha fast-fold poker and cash games. Tournaments and SNGs are hit and miss.

What casino games can I play?

This varies from casino to casino. MOST casinos offer a small fraction of the games you'll find in their full-blown casino. https://datetorrent.mystrikingly.com/blog/vegas-strip-casino-instant-play. For example, many RealTime Gaming mobile casinos offer 20-30 casino games, while you'll find 150+ in their download or instant play casino.

However, if you join a casino built on HTML5, chances are you'll have dozens of games to choose from. Geekbench processor & memory performance v5 0 4. Maybe even more than 100. A few good places to start include Bovada, Ignition Casino, or most Bitcoin-exclusive casinos.

Some international casinos – such as Bet365 – will have even more games, as well as variations such as (mobile) live dealer table games.

To answer the question, though, you'll find all the same casino games available to you from your computer. That includes slots, video poker, table games, blackjack, and arcade games. However, the number of games and the selection of games (like the slots-to-table-game ratio) will depend on where you play.

Everything you can bet on from your computer. You'll access most sportsbooks from your browser, which means you can make all sorts of bets from your phone. One benefit to this is that sportsbooks are usually compatible with more devices than just those operating on Android or iOS.

This means you'll get to make straight bets, halftime bets, prop bets, futures, if bets, bets on football, basketball, TV shows, soccer, e-gaming, tennis, golf, and a whole lot more.

Can I still get a deposit bonus?

Yes, you'll still have the option to get a deposit bonus, reload bonus, or participate in the site's loyalty program.

And like we mentioned earlier, some sites offer mobile-exclusive bonuses in addition to their core offers.

One thing we need to point out, though – you'll still need to fulfill the site's playthrough requirements. This is important to think about, especially if you plan to play poker. You need to figure out if you can play enough hands or enough games to clear the requirements in time.

Probably the best reason is convenience. You can play in bed, in the car, from the bathroom, in line, while waiting for someone, and more. You can play anywhere, anytime.

Is mobile gambling safe?

Online gambling sites use the same tech for their mobile casinos as they do for their desktop software. In fact, in some cases, their mobile and desktop site are one in the same. And this is the same encryption software that banks use, which encrypts your information (hides it from hackers).

We also only recommend safe gambling sites. Our sites will tell you which sites are safe (and worthwhile) to join.

From there, safety is largely up to you. You'll want to be careful when gambling in public. Make sure you're on secure networks, and if you have to make a deposit when you're in public, make sure no one's looking over your shoulder. You also don't want to save passwords (many mobile sites won't let you) or save any payment information to your mobile device in case it's stolen.

In other words, treat mobile gambling very much like mobile banking or mobile shopping – carefully.

Can Americans gamble for real money using smartphones and tablets?

Yes. We recommend US players check out Bovada, Ignition, and BetOnline. This should cover all the bases.

Can you play progressive slot machines on mobile devices?

Yes, you can…and you can win, like this guy who won $11.6 million playing Mega Moolah while on his tablet.

In most cases, yes. For casino games, online casinos use mobile (responsive) games from the software providers they work with. The games will look the same, if not better, on your mobile device. However, the mobile casino itself may be very basic (ugly) – not that that should matter.

Online Mobile Gambling

Both mobile poker and sports betting should look the same, as most mobile poker rooms and sportsbooks are built using HTML5.

That all said, there are two big differences when it comes to mobile gambling:

  • Some buttons or graphics may look different and be placed somewhere else on the screen (compared to the desktop version). This is just so the casino/software provider can adapt the game to a smaller screen.
  • The second difference is features – you'll often have fewer of them. This will apply mostly to mobile poker players, and sometimes mobile sports bettors, too.

The casino isn't compatible with my device – what else can I do?

This really depends on your device. You'll have more options if you're using a device powered by Android or iOS.

Whatever your case, here are a few things you might try:

  • A different casino. Start with our reviews – we'll tell you which sites are compatible with which devices.
  • A different browser. Most mobile sites are compatible with Safari, Chrome, and Internet Explorer.
  • Hack your phone. This is a more extreme option that often means your phone isn't covered in case it breaks or stops working. You'll want to Google ‘unlocking,' ‘jailbreaking,' or ‘hacking' your specific device.

Other than that, you might be limited to free native apps available in your app store.

This depends on the poker site. We know you can with PokerStars' app. But you can't using Carbon Poker's app.

That said, no matter where you play, you won't be able to play that many tables. Last we checked, you could only play three tables simultaneously at PokerStars – and they're the largest site in the world.

Which is better, native app or through the site?

This depends on what you want to play, and your preferences.

Apps use up resources like space and memory. You might also receive notifications that you might not want. But they're usually better in terms of user experience because they're built for your device.

Mobile websites may be harder to navigate (if they're not mobile responsive). But they're also usually compatible with more devices and don't take up any resources (except data, which you can avoid by playing on Wi-Fi).

To better answer the question, though – we'd prefer an app for mobile poker. For everything else, we think a mobile responsive website is good enough.

Yes, as far as we know, there's no limit to how many gambling apps you can have – other than what your phone or tablet can hold.

Is it safe to install an app from unknown sources?

From what we understand, the Google Play store doesn't allow real money gambling apps even from legitimate (licensed, regulated, legal) gambling operators. So, some apps will be hosted on 3rd party (unofficial) app stores, like GetJar.

This can be scary for users because of the possibility of downloading malware, viruses, or other nasty things.

We saw some advice we thought was pretty good:

If the app is official and endorsed by the company, then you should have no concerns regarding safety.

Be sure to do your due diligence. Make sure wherever the app is hosted is legit. Make sure the app is the official app. Read reviews to make sure no one else has had any problems. Make sure to back up your phone. Vtools 1 1 0 0.

Do it all, just to be safe. From there, you can feel pretty good about downloading the app. And, if push comes to shove, you can always send a message to the gambling operator first.





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